Tourists who had been stuck in Mexico due to violence following the death of cartel leader El Mencho are now able to fly back to the U.S. Flights to Los Angeles International Airport have resumed.
Travelers returning from Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta described harrowing experiences, including gunfire and burning cars as they attempted to leave the country.
A tourist from Northern California shared that a cartel attack occurred at the resort in Puerto Vallarta where he was staying.
One traveler, Jonathan, recounted feeling unsafe, stating, “Nothing was safe. We were required to stay indoors,” in an interview at LAX.
Another tourist, Kelly, recalled being unsettled by armed individuals, saying, “I’ll never forget that scene. They had all their guns on them and masks on their faces.” She also mentioned that she wouldn’t return to such a popular Mexican destination due to the rising violence.
Visitors to Guadalajara reported hearing gunshots from their hotel rooms.
Travelers expressed considerable fear during their stay. Emmanuel Espinoza, a 24-year-old from Ventura County, said he felt a bit scared after arriving from Guadalajara. His taxi driver hesitated to pick him up from the airport, heightening his anxiety about the situation in Mexico.
The unrest stemmed from the death of El Mencho, the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which triggered a surge in violent incidents, not just in Mexico but also impacting U.S. territories. Over 70 people, including cartel members and Mexican security forces, were reported killed in the aftermath of the operation that led to his demise.
Scenes of chaos unfolded as cartel members set fires and blocked roads with burning vehicles, creating further panic.
Amid the turmoil, those who managed to return to Los Angeles shared their fears and experiences, highlighting the terrifying environment they left behind in Mexico.
